Buying a Small Double Stroller
A double stroller is a significant purchase, and it’s one you’ll be using for many years. That’s why you need to pick wisely.
Our test participants looked at strollers that have great flexibility and smooth rides on any terrain. They also checked if they were easy to fold and maneuver.
Size
There are many styles of double strollers such as tandem, side-by-side (single-file) and wagons. The category has come a long way from the massive 1980s models that many older generation millennials may remember. Today they’re sleek and come with various customization options to make travel with kids more enjoyable for everyone.
If you have a child or toddlers, an extra stroller that has a car seat can be extremely useful in getting them from A to B. Some of the most modern strollers feature frames that can accommodate two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats. This lets them be used by children as young as until they reach the age of kindergarten. They are generally more expensive than a basic double stroller frame, but they also provide the convenience of an integrated car seat system and a large undercarriage basket which can hold both car seats.
Parents with fewer children may prefer a simple, less-expensive single-to-double stroller. These frames are usually lighter, and some moms still use their original stroller even after their children have outgrown it.
Another excellent feature of some of the tiniest double strollers we’ve tested is the compact fold. They can be tucked away that larger strollers can’t and are often more maneuverable once folded.
In addition, all of the compact double buggy with carrycot strollers we’ve tested feature a nice-sized sunshade, though coverage can vary from almost nothing to a cocoon covering. If you’re on a tight budget it’s a good idea to check out secondhand strollers for sale on websites like Facebook Marketplace. Just make sure to inspect the stroller for signs of wear before purchasing it.
Weight
When shopping for a small double stroller, parents must consider how much they want to pay and if it’s a good fit for their family’s lifestyle. For example, a lightweight stroller might not have enough storage space for bulky bags or extra gear. It may not have a canopy that is large enough or other features to make it easier to use on long trips.
The best double strollers are easy to maneuver and sturdy, so that children can remain comfortable and not move around in their seats. In our comfort tests, we prefer strollers with adjustable seatbacks and leg rests with padding. The top double strollers offer reclining seating positions that let kids unwind on long walks.
Innovative designs and thoughtful features are making strollers that can be used in a variety of ways more popular than ever. Some of the most popular strollers can fit multiple car seats and provide an array of seating options from birth through preschool. Some are so light they can be used for running or even for traveling.
One of the most important aspects to take into consideration when selecting a small double stroller is whether or not it will be able to pass through doors and other tight spaces. Older models of tandem strollers and side-by-side strollers are usually too wide to fit through the majority of doors. The most effective small double strollers, however, tend to be smaller than the traditional models and can be pushed into the majority of doors easily.
Another thing to think about is whether you need an additional feature on your stroller like a cup holder or snack tray. These can be handy for longer trips, but they add to the total weight and cost of the double stroller.
Folding
A compact double stroller can fold compactly, easily fitting into tight spaces and making it easy to store. In addition, a light design ensures that it will be easy to maneuver and carry.
Before you choose a compact double stroller, think about where you’ll use it and how often. The answer to these questions will help you determine the essential features. For example, if you are planning to run in the stroller, then you will want to find one with an easy suspension that can glide across rough and paved terrain.
Also, consider the age and temperaments of your children. If they are near in age, then a side-byside stroller may be best. If they are in different stages of development, then a tandem model may be better suited to your requirements.
A double stroller is expensive but it will pay dividends over time. A quality model that suits your family’s needs can simplify the process of traveling with kids. It will also provide you and your children with a lifetime of comfort.
If you are limited in storage space, you might want to consider a compact double stroller that can accommodate both infant car seats as well as toddlers. Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon can accommodate twins and is an excellent option for families with two children. It has dual canopies as well as an attached storage bin as well as a tray for children with cup holders. This budget-friendly stroller also offers a quick and simple fold and can be carried with just one hand. It is worth pointing out, however, that most double modular strollers require that you remove the second seat when folding them.
Maneuverability
The best small double strollers are easy to maneuver and come with smooth and responsive wheels that can glide across any surface. These strollers come with seating that reclines and have plenty of storage space for your kids’ equipment. Many of these strollers are also compatible with infant and toddler seats, as well as car seat carriers. These features make these strollers a great choice for families that want one stroller that is multi-purpose.
Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician who provides parents with advice on travel gear and strollers, recommends choosing a lightweight stroller that is easy for children to push. She says that heavy strollers can cause frame fatigue and injuries. “If your stroller is heavy and difficult to push, consider adding a ride-along deck or reduce the number of kids in the seat.”
Some of the double strollers that we tested are able to accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, for instance, can accommodate two infant car seats or toddler seats at once and can convert into a three-seater configuration with the help of the RumbleSeat. It also features a chic inline design, with foam-filled tires that won’t go flat, and an adjustable telescoping handlebar. The seat buckles are one of the easiest to unfasten and fasten and its large UPF 50+ sunshades come with window-like windows.
Other models have seating flexibility, which makes them suitable for twins, multiples, one older child and an infant or toddler with a scooter (sold separately). They also come with brakes that are easy to use and a relatively compact fold that can fit into most trunks. Some are so light that they can be carried up and down the stairs. They also require minimal assembly however the Joovy Caboose requires some tools and took the longest time to construct in our tests.
Safety
The best double strollers have many safety features, including adjustable handlebars to give you a good grip and a wide base that won’t tip over when the children get out of their seats. They also have generous canopies that can be used to protect both children and even rainstorms. Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician. She says they’re simple to use. “Look for a simple one or two step fold that is easy to carry and has a space where straps can be put,” she says.
The narrowest compact double strollers fit easily through doors, which is a major advantage if you have the space of a small car or living space. The smallest models are also considerably lighter than normal double strollers, making them much easier to carry from one location to the next. No need to strain your arms and back while carrying the heavy stroller over your shoulder.
Parents of children of similar ages can choose a side by side stroller one of our top pick for the Joovy Kooper X2, that has two child seats which can be individually adjusted to recline and width. In our testing we found that the seats were very comfortable and recline was easy and simple. Each seat has only one lever. It also has a large storage basket, a parking brake that’s one-step (to reduce fatigue in the hands when stopping) and a few of our best harnesses.
If you have children that are apart in age, then a stroller that sits and stands, such as our top pick, the UPPAbaby Vista Double, may be a good fit. It accepts two infant car seats, and also has a pair of modified seats which function as bassinets older children. They can also be modified to accommodate the use of a riding board for an even older sibling.
